KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Hari Raya celebrations this year may be the most 'challenging' for Malaysians.
He said this was given the continuous rise in the cost of living over the past year.
"In a situation of a continuous rise in the cost of living over the past year, especially in the prices of food items, service costs, electricity tariffs, and several types of taxes, preparations for the festival have undoubtedly been affected to some extent.
"I truly understand this situation and pray that you all remain patient and resilient in facing these challenges," the former prime minister said in a Facebook post today, where he extended Hari Raya wishes to all Muslims.
"As we rejoice in welcoming Syawal, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who are being tested with hardships, disasters, natural calamities, and oppression, whether in our own country or elsewhere, such as in Palestine.
"Let us all pray together that the turmoil currently happening will soon come to an end and they will be able to return to a true, free, independent life without oppression," Muhyiddin said.